SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.—, F. 329 
geometrical magnitude than those which occupy an equal angle in the nearer landscape, 
a slight rise of sky-line cutting out the distant view induces the eye to tilt up consider- 
ably in order to maintain the fullness of its outlook, thus largely increasing the sky- 
view under conditions when it would be supposed, a priori, to be reduced. Even a 
considerable departure from level outlook either up or down is unattended by any 
warning muscular sensation. (ii) When the Bernese Alps are viewed from the plain of 
Switzerland, absorption of light by the lower atmosphere gives an adequate impression 
of their distance, and thus indirectly of their height. When, however, having passed 
the foothills, we reach the first place from which the whole of a great mountain can be 
seen, this atmospheric effect is lost. As the peak is far below the level to which the eye 
can reach without craning the neck, the effect of height is mainly dependent upon a 
steeply-descending foreground, which by drawing the eye unconsciously downward, 
brings the summit of the mountain near the top of the picture. The very short drop 
is sufficient. 
18. Prof. J. W. Gregory, F.R.S.—Problems of the Queensland Barrier 
Reef. 
Darwin’s theory of coral reefs confirmed for atolls by the Funafuti bore. The 
Queensland barrier reef was formed under different conditions. It is the greatest of 
coral formations, and while its origin is unsettled, the subsidence theory of coral reefs 
is only partly established. 
The theories of the Barrier Reef. Jukes’ application of Darwin’s theory did not 
explain the platform on which the reef rests, and omitted essential facts. The alterna- 
tive view that the reef is a newly formed thin veneer on a submerged coastal plain has 
been widely accepted. Nevertheless, the physiographic evidence from the mainland of 
Queensland is inexplicable without the subsidence assumed by Darwin’s theory. 
The decision between the two theories rests on the thickness and age of the reefs 
and on the nature of their formation. Boring the final test. The choice of a site. 
The drawbacks of any situation near Torres Strait where the issues are complicated by 
the independent subsidence which formed that strait. 
EXHIBITION OF Roap Maps, Etc. 
An exhibition of representative examples of the itineraries, road-books 
and road-maps of France and Central Europe, 1501-1925, from the 
collection of Sir George Fordham, of Odsey, was open throughout the 
meeting in a room adjoining the Section meeting room. 
SECTION F. 
ECONOMIC SCIENCE AND STATISTICS. 
(For references to the publication elsewhere of communications entered in the 
following list of transactions, see page 390.) 
Thursday, August 27. 
1. Joint Discussion with Section M. 
(a) Mr. J. Wytie and Mr. J. 8. Kine.—Farming Cost in Relation 
to Farm Management. 
The purpose of this paper is to present for discussion the different ways in which 
it is thought that a proper system of farm costing would assist the farm manager in 
the correct solution of the numerous problems arising out of the organisation and man- 
agement of the business of farming. It is suggested, on the one hand, that claims 
have been made on behalf of farm costing that are not easily substantiated, and, on 
the other, that much adverse criticism of farm costing is based upon a misunderstanding 
of what it really means and what it attempts todo. The difficulties inherent in any 
